GMC debuted the standard cab version of its 2014 Sierra pickup today in a press release about the truck’s aerodynamics.

In it, GMC says the 2014 Sierra spent more time in a wind tunnel than any of its predecessors. The tunnel, which is 750 feet long, generates winds up to 138 mph. The release shows photos of what looks like a higher trim version of the standard cab sierra.

Aside from unveiling the standard cab, GMC also discussed some of the changes it made to improve the aerodynamics of its truck. For example, there is a new sealant between the cab and bed, which GM aerodynamics performance engineer Diane Bloch explained, saying “the most harmful air between the cab and bed was coming over the cab and down through the gap, so we paid the most attention to that specific area.” Now the truck uses new sealing to address the issue.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Review

During the testing, GMC also looked at tailgate positions and how they affect efficiency. It turns out that having the gate raised is the most efficient because air flows over the cab and pushes forward against the back of the truck. Lowering the tailgate eliminates that benefit, and installing an aftermarket net actually makes more drag.

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Originally revealed in February, RAM has announced that production on the RAM 1500 Diesel will begin September 2013.

The diesel powerplant is sourced from VM Motori and is much lighter than the Cummins six-cylinder currently found in heavy-duty RAM pickups. The 3.0-liter V6 diesel powerplant will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and should be rated at 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. The American automaker hasn’t announced final specifications yet.

SEE ALSO: RAM 1500 Becomes Industry-First Half-Ton Diesel Pickup

The diesel RAM 1500 is also expected to offer best-in-class fuel economy, which means it’ll be at least 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. If production does get under way in September, dealerships should expect the RAM 1500 Diesel in October.

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Strategic Vision has announced the winners of its 2013 Total Quality Index (TQI), with American automakers reinstating their position in some very competitive segments.

Measuring quality since 1994, Strategic Vision not only factors in counting problems but includes multiple aspects of influence and perception that customers use as a base for their purchasing decisions. This year’s Total Quality Index was calculated from 17,568 buyers who purchased 2013 model year vehicles from September to November 2012.

Topping the charts regardless of category was the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible with a TQI score of 959, while the Porsche Boxster was not far behind with 957. Both vehicles were in the Premium Convertible/Roadster category. Scoring a 955 was the Lexus LS which dominated the Luxury Car category.

Surprising winners include the Kia Soul (868) in the Small Multi-Function category, while the new Dodge Dart scored an 884 to claim the Small Car category. American automakers also took over the Mid-Size Car category with the Ford Fusion scoring a 908 and the Chevrolet Volt notching a 907.

Here are the winners of their respective categories:

Small Car: Dodge Dart (884)

Small Multi-Function: Kia Soul (868)

Mid-Size Car: Ford Fusion (908), Chevrolet Volt (907)

Mid-Size Multi-Function: Honda Accord Crosstour (877)

Large Car: Volkswagen CC (920)

Near-Luxury Car: Hyundai Genesis Sedan (922), Audi A4 Sedan (921)

Luxury Car: Lexus LS (955)

Specialty Coupe: MINI Cooper Hardtop (913)

Premium Coupe: Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (931)

Convertibles: Chrysler 200 Convertible (917)

Premium Convertible/Roadster: Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (959), Porsche Boxster (957)

Minivan: Chrysler Town & Country (850)

Entry Utility: Volkswagen Tiguan (885), Toyota FJ Cruiser (883)

Mid-Size Crossover Utility: Chevrolet Traverse (900)

Mid-Size Traditional Utilit: Dodge Durango (881)

Large Utility: GMC Yukon (893)

Near-Luxury Utility: Buick Enclave (928)

Luxury Utility: Porsche Cayenne (948)

Standard Pickup: Toyota Tacoma (847)

Full-Size Pickup: Chevrolet Avalanche (896)

Heavy-Duty Pickup: Ford F-250/350 (892)

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Automakers are always looking for an edge over the competition. Any spec-sheet advantage, no matter how insignificant, is fair game. Engine output is often something they brag about. One vehicle may have more horsepower but a competing car could offer more torque. What’s the difference between these two measurements? What do they mean? Surprisingly these terms are totally different but related.

Some vehicles are built to extremes; the dearly departed Honda S2000 sports car, which went out of production a few years ago, is a perfect example. Like the blade of a samurai sword this open-air two-door was sharp and purposeful.

Early models were powered by a screaming 2.0-liter four-cylinder that put out a monstrous 240 horsepower. What made that figure so jaw-dropping is that the engine did it without any assistance; there was no turbo or supercharger to be found under the hood. It was more natural than a flock of unkempt vegan hippies nakedly prancing around the forest during a rainstorm; it just revved and revved, topping out at 9000 RPM. Of course this extreme engine strategy came at a price. There were only 153 lb-ft of torque to play with, barely more than a tricycle-riding grandmother could provide.

Honda’s S2000 was the automotive equivalent of a hummingbird; always buzzing at redline, howling like a banshee. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Ram 3500 pickup truck. Buyers can opt for a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel that puts out 350 horsepower with up to 660 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough twisting force to power an industrial revolution.

THE ORIGINS OF HORSEPOWER

Speaking of that pivotal moment in history, one man played a huge role in helping develop the world we live in today. Scottish inventor James Watt can be credited with kick-starting the industrial revolution in the second-half of the 1700s. He vastly improved the steam engine, which made it both more efficient and effective. He also invented something else.

Alan Falkowski, a Chief Engineer at Chrysler and someone who’s worked on a number of different engine programs over the years including the late-model Hemi and Pentastar V6 said Watt came up with an important term we use every day: horsepower.

“Essentially he wanted to have an equivalent term his customers could relate to,” said Falkowski. The expression was designed to make the nebulous idea of work relevant and easily understood. For example “I’ve got a steam engine that will do the work of two horses,” Falkowski said; that’s a lot easier to wrap your 18^th-century head around than saying it delivers 66,000 pound-feet (lb-ft) per minute. Because really, what the heck does that mean anyway?

USE THE FORCE!

Good question. “Torque is kind of like a force,” said Steve Russ, Technical Leader with Ford Motor Company Engine Engineering. “Now power is essentially the rate at which we’re able to do that amount of work,” he said.

Falkowski gave a great example of this. If a person walks up 10 steps they’ve done a certain amount of work, but “The rate at which [they move] is power,” he said. Running up a flight of stairs in five seconds opposed to 10 seconds takes twice as much power. In other words, “The ability to do work quickly is power,” he said.

Another example of torque is trying to slide a piece of furniture across carpeting. If someone is pushing on a couch as hard as they can and it doesn’t move they’re applying a certain force.  If they can slide the couch slowly across the rug they’ve done work; doing it faster takes more power.

PONY EXPRESS

Horsepower and torque are related because “Horsepower is derived from torque,” Russ said. “In an engine the torque that we measure is the function of engine RPM.”

“The power that the engine produces is the torque times the engine speed,” Falkowski said. The formula for calculating horsepower is fairly simple. It’s the lb-ft of torque provided multiplied by the RPM (revolutions per minute) it’s delivered at, divided by 5,252. If an engine puts out 100 lb-ft of torque at 1,000 RPM it has about 19 horsepower.

The difference between power and force is also fairly simple. “You need low-speed torque if you’re towing [or] driving up a hill,” but, “For fast zero-to-60 times you need you need high peak power,” Russ said.

Generally diesels can’t zip from zero to 60 very quickly because they can’t rev as high as gasoline engines, but, “They can tow massive amounts,” Russ said. He also added that peak power directly relates to zero-to-60 times.

“[For] faster acceleration go with what produces the highest peak power,” Falkowski said, noting that “It’s always power at any given instance that is going to accelerate the vehicle.”

This is why the Honda S2000 can rip from zero to 60 miles an hour in about six seconds and why the Ram 3500 can tow in excess of 18,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s the stark difference between horsepower and torque.

Transmissions help maximize an engine’s output. The various gears inside them are designed to multiply torque at different speeds. Tractor trailers for instance are powered by large diesel engines that deliver mountains of torque but, “Those things don’t have thousands of horsepower,” Falkowski said. Making up for that, and allowing them to tow huge and heavy trailers, they’re equipped with a dozen or more gears.

So, horsepower and torque are directly related. Horsepower is derived from the torque an engine delivers and is a function of RPM. Torque is essentially a force and power is the ability to do work; doing the same amount of work in a shorter amount of time takes more power. A car that can zip from a standstill to a mile a minute in just three seconds needs a lot more power than one that accomplishes the same task in 13 seconds.

Each week, we recap the most popular videos from AutoGuide‘s YouTube channel just in case all seven days passed you by and you missed out. This week, AutoGuide travelled out to Texas to check out and review the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado Review

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SEE ALSO: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Review

2013 Ford Fusion vs 2014 Mazda6

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SEE ALSO: 2013 Ford Fusion vs 2014 Mazda6

2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 vs. 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

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SEE ALSO: 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 vs 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

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Volkswagen has teased yet another concept that will be making its debut at this year’s Worthersee event, an Amarok R-Style concept pickup truck.

Promising to bring a new perspective on the traditional pickup, the Amarok R-Style concept features unique styling and is packed with high-tech accessories. The concept will be powered by a 3.0-liter, V6 TDI engine with 272 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Design Vision GTI Teased with 503-HP

According to the German automaker, it accelerates to 62 mph from a standstill in 7.9 seconds. To give it an aggressive stance, the Amarok R-Style concept features a widebody with carbon fiber front and rear bumpers. The widened stance allows the pickup to ride on 22-inch wheels wrapped with 295/35/22 tires.

As for the inside, Volkswagen teased plenty of carbon fiber on the interior components in addition to bucket seats and an angular-styled steering wheel.

GALLERY: Volkswagen Amarok R-Style Concept

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To celebrate and recognize the bond between trucks and Texans, Chevy has released the 2014 Silverado Texas Edition, that will be offered exclusively in the Lone Star State. 

“The Silverado Texas Edition recognizes the fact that one out of every six full-size pickups are sold in Texas,” said Maria Rohrer, Silverado marketing director.

The Texas Edition package can only be added to LT or LTZ trimmed trucks, the former of which gets 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, a trailering package, locking rear differential, body-color outside mirror caps and door handles, and Texas Edition badges. When the Texas package is stuck on the LTZ trimmed Silverado, buyers get the same additions, except the aluminum is replaced by chrome, and a new Bose sound system is fitted.

If you are one of the many interested buyers living outside of Texas, don’t fear, you will be able to purchase the Custom Sport Package with comparable features, but you will miss out on the Texas Edition badges.

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General Motors is hiring roughly 100 retired engineers to watch its supplier base as the American automaker launches its new full-size pickup trucks.

GM is launching two if its most important pick-up trucks onto the market in the coming months: the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. To help ensure those new full-size pickups arrive showrooms without any major headaches, the retired engineers will work primarily with Tier 1 suppliers to help check out components such as steering gears and chassis controls.

SEE ALSO: Ford Rethinks Product Launches After Quality Concerns

Since suppliers typically deliver pre-assembled units straight to the factories, a fault with a component in the steering column for example, would be made ahead of the assembly process. According to GM North America president Mark Reuss, the retired engineers were used to help “bring all of the knowledge and lessons learned of their experience over their careers.”

[Source: Automotive News]

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When the all-new 2014 GMC Sierra arrives dealerships this summer, the base-model 4.3-liter, EcoTec V6 will offer best-in-class torque with 305 lb-ft.

In total, three new EcoTec3 engines will be available to GMC Sierra buyers, a 5.3-liter that will be available at launch, and the 4.3-liter and 6.2-liter variants coming later this year. Sierras powered by the 4.3-liter V6 will have a tow rating up to 7,200 pounds for a regular cab, short bed, four-wheel drive model. The V6 is backed by 285 hp and will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

SEE ALSO: 2014 GMC Sierra Leaked

The 2014 Sierra with the 4.3-liter EcoTec V6 will go on sale later this year with a starting price of $25,085 including a destination charge of $995. EPA fuel economy estimates for the V6 will be released closer to the vehicle’s launch.

“This is technology no other truck maker can match, and we offer it in every EcoTec3 engines, for every customer,” said Jordan Lee, GM Powertrain chief engineer. “It is a standard feature, so our drivers get our best and most sophisticated technology regardless of trim level.”

GALLERY:

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The new High Country-trim Silverado from Chevrolet is the latest pickup truck to take on the roll of luxury cruiser, along with hard worker, and Chevy just released the details on its new luxo-truck. 

High Country Silverados will sit on top of the range, and get unique style thanks to a chrome grille, halogen projector headlamps and body-color front and rear bumpers. High Country Silverados ride on 20-inch chrome wheels, accented by chrome body side moldings, door handles and mirrors.

Slathered in chrome on the outside, the High Country Silverado is wrapped in saddle-brown leather on the inside. Along with the High-Country badged leather surfaces there is some tech upgrades included such as an 8-inch touch screen, a Bose premium audio system and front and rear park assist. The High Country Premium Package is an available option, and it will add a heated steering wheel, driver alert package, adjustable pedals and integrated trailer brake controller.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Chevy Silverado Details

For power, the Silverado High Country will be fitted standard with the middle engine in the Silverado’s three-motor lineup, the 5.3-liter V8 that makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It is also available with the largest engine option, a 6.3-liter V8. The smallest choice, a 4.3-liter V6, can’t be had with High Country trimmed trucks.

GALLERY: 2014 Chevy Silverado High Country

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We are back with this week’s installment of AutoGuide’s newest, interactive weekly feature “Commute, Toy or Destroy.”

Once again, we present to you a choice of three vehicles. We are asking you to decide which one you would make your daily driver, which one would become your Saturday afternoon show ‘n shine winner and which one you would send to the scrap yard.

Remember, the commuter car you must live with every day. The toy would be only available to you for occasional use on weekends and the final car would be the one you’d drive over an IED with.

This week we are switching it up a bit and leaving sports cars behind for rugged, off-road trucks. We present three modern day vehicles all design to travel off the beaten path. So, now it is up to you to decide which one you would commute in, which one would be your off-road toy, and which one you will destroy.

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

One look at this monster confirms this ain’t no ordinary Ford F-150. Designed to be abused, the SVT Raptor upgrades all the important mechanical bits to ensure you don’t get stranded in the middle of nowhere when out trail riding. A 411 hp 6.2 L V8 gives this aggressive truck the proper amount of power to back up its mean looks.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

The American icon of off-roading, the Wrangler still sports solid axles front and back, three lockable differentials, and a two-speed transfer case.  If that isn’t enough, step up to the Rubicon model which also enables the front sway-bar to be disconnected electronically. Of course Wranglers are still convertibles and last year a 285 hp 3.6 L V6 helped give this Jeep some much needed oomph.

Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Teams

The FJ Cruiser harkens back to Toyota’s original Land Cruiser; a wholly capable off-road machine. Using a proper body-on-frame SUV chassis, the FJ Cruiser is powered by a 260 hp 4.0 L V6 engine. Select the Trail Teams Edition and a plethora of TRD parts are added to the FJ to make it even more capable off-road.

Details on the next-generation GMC Sierra are starting to surface, and this may be the first look we have at the 2014 model year truck.

It appears that the American automaker accidentally leaked the 2014 GMC Sierra on its website and an Internet user was quick enough to do a screen cap of it before it was taken off. Though it doesn’t reveal much about the upcoming next-generation Sierra, it does show its model lineup in addition to a first glimpse of the redesign.

SEE ALSO: 2014 GMC Sierra to Get Safety Alert Vibrating Seat

The 2014 GMC Sierra gets a new grille insert, blacked-out lower bumper, and new wheels, based on what we can scope out from the screenshot. Little details are known on the 2014 Sierra, but we expect more official news to be coming soon.

[Source: GM Authority]

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